Paralegal / Legal Assistant

Paralegal / Legal Assistant Advocates for Family Health and Consumer Programs Legal Services of Eastern Missouri, Inc. (LSEM) is a nonprofit law firm providing free legal assistance to vulnerable populations and groups serving disadvantaged communities. LSEM is seeking a Paralegal / Legal Assistant to support the Advocates for Family Health Program and the Consumer Law Program. The Advocates for Family Health Program helps families, pregnant people, and children access their MO HealthNet (Medicaid) health benefits through administrative advocacy efforts with the State Medicaid agencies and health plans. The Consumer Law Program helps individuals with a wide array of consumer issues, including consumer fraud, deception and abuse cases, consumer debt-defense litigation and counterclaims, and tenant's rights litigation. Responsibilities: Performing client intake and other case-opening tasks as needed Conducting fact investigation and document gathering Drafting pleadings, notices, papers, and correspondence, as needed Providing litigation and administrative advocacy support e.g., preparing exhibits and trial or hearing materials, attending court proceedings, filing pleadings Drafting, cataloging, and organizing discovery requests and responses, and assisting clients with answering discovery Requesting medical records, including following up with providers to ensure records are received timely and completely Being a conduit of information between attorneys and clients Contacting administrative agencies and the courts on client matters Providing clients with community resource referrals Building and maintaining relationships with partner organizations and the courts Organizing and participating in community outreach/events (court table, speaking events, clinics) and creating outreach materials Assisting with general case management, file maintenance, and case-closing tasks Conducting legal research Performing skip trace, asset searches, and searching real property records Qualifications: Strong administrative skills are required Paralegal experience is a plus Ability to relate well and work with elderly, disabled, and low-income clients Ability to collaborate with diverse community stakeholders Strong communication skills, work ethic, and teamwork Strong organizational skills, attention to detail Ability to prioritize tasks received from multiple supervisors Competent in Microsoft Office, particularly Word and Excel Familiarity or aptitude with case management software preferred Open to creative and innovative ways of fulfilling the legal aid mission Who we are: LSEM advances justice through legal representation, education, and supportive services. We partner with the community to improve lives, promote fairness and create opportunities for those in need. Since 1956, LSEM has provided high-quality civil legal assistance and equal access to justice for low-income people in 21 counties in Missouri. We accomplish our mission through systemic advocacy/impact litigation and individual casework in a wide range of substantive civil areas which are in our priorities, e.g., family law for victims of domestic violence, prevention of homelessness/loss of housing, health, public benefits, consumer, education, disability, community economic development, and immigration. As part of our community education/outreach efforts, LSEM works with over 150 agencies and participates in over 35 task forces/coalitions. LSEM also has a vibrant Volunteer Lawyers Program. How to Apply: Upload your resume and cover letter through our online application. Applications without a cover letter will not be considered. Salary & Benefits Information: The salary range for this position is $43,400-$65,200. Specific salary within the range will be determined by years of experience. Excellent benefits including medical, dental and vision insurance, a generous time off policy (starting at 4 weeks per year), 12 weeks paid parental leave, 403(b) and 401(a) retirement plans, long-term disability and life insurance, employee assistance plan, and flexible spending account. Submission Deadline: Applications will be considered until the position is filled. At Legal Services of Eastern Missouri, we value diversity, equity, inclusion, and mutual respect. We encourage people of color, women, LGBTQ+, people of all abilities, and those who have been historically disadvantaged to apply. Our goal is to be a diverse workforce that represents our community and to be an inclusive environment for all employees. Equal access to Legal Services of Eastern Missouri's office is available. Those applicants requiring accommodation to the interview/application process should contact Human Resources at the e-mail . Legal Services of Eastern Missouri is an equal opportunity employer.

Created: 2024-10-29